Mountain bike track at Penshaw Monument ‘no longer in use’

David Allison

A mounain bike track at historic Penshaw Monument will no longer be in use because of the “damage” it has caused to the area, National Trust chiefs have said.

Since opening in 2013, the track has been heavily used and modified by users but unfortunately, bosses in charge of the site say it has led to increasing damage to the surrounding woodland.

The track will no longer be in use from this month onwards.

Helen McDonald, head ranger for Penshaw Monument, said: “We created the track to provide a dedicated area for cyclists to access Penshaw.

“However, in spite of our intentions, the prolonged use of the track has led to the woodland becoming susceptible to damage.

“We work closely with Natural England to protect the woodland, which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and after consultation with them the damage is now becoming too great and we have to restrict bicycle access.

“We appreciate this will be a disappointing decision for people who cycle the track at Penshaw, but as a conservation charity we have an obligation to protect the site.”

Penshaw Monument will remain open to visitors on foot throughout the year and tours to top of the monument are every Saturday, Sunday and on Bank Holidays, until September 24, from 10am until 5pm.

For more information about visiting Penshaw Monument go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk/penshaw-monument.